Do you have a beloved seasonal foodstuff you look forward to rediscovering every December? Some eagerly anticipate the return of Caramel Brulee Lattes and Cranberry Bliss Bars to Starbucks, others count the days until boxes of Candy Cane Joe Joes arrive at Trader Joe’s. A fabulous friend of mine looks forward to getting another item from Trader Joe’s: their Eggnog Almonds. Alas, she found them to be sold out on a recent visit. Being me, I thought I would see if I could surprise her with my own rough re-creation.

As it turns out, making smooth, uniform, individually coated almonds is way beyond my confectionery skill set, but I quickly figured out that the big blob of white chocolate and nuts would make a great bark instead. When I changed course, I roughly chopped THROUGH the blob (which I do not recommend, it was just my only option since it was already combined), spread it on a baking sheet and chilled it. Voila, eggnog bark. I do believe it will now be an annual Thing. …

Make candy from pumpkins? Really? You are no doubt wondering: Have we at FFF taken this whole “frugal” thing a little too far???Â I, too, was skeptical. But, for a pleasant surprise, read onÂ My Frugal Friends.

This is one of those “you’ll never guess the secret ingredient” recipes. Your guests will never guess that these little sweet squares that have a texture similar to caramels are actually made of pumpkin flesh. No, really. Put me to the test on these and try this recipe out.